This was a “BIG” birthday for me…
65 years and not ready to retire as yet.
I got to spend the weekend together with my wife,
in Madikwe Private Game Reserve…my happy place.
This is me, on the deck of our accommodation at Tau Lodge, working.
For once I decided to forgo an afternoon game drive
to focus (literally) on the large waterhole in front of the lodge.
For the photographers reading this posting…
The lens is a Pentax 560mm, f/5.6,
and the body is the Pentax K1, full frame.
Some while ago, the main building at Tau Lodge
was razed to the ground by a fire that completely destroyed it.
That building has been replaced by two stunning tented structures.
One that incorporates the dining room and bar…
The other containing the reception area
and a small lounge.
When we first arrived we did not realise
that the buildings were constructed of canvas.
that the buildings were constructed of canvas.
They are beautiful and fit the lodge ambience to perfection.
The accommodation was unaffected by the ravages of the blaze.
This was our deluxe accommodation for the duration of our stay.
We were only going to be here one night
so this became a repository for luggage and camera gear.
From the deck outside our room.
THIS is why I enjoy coming to Tau…
The view across the waterhole is breathtaking.
Who needs to go on a game drive
when the waterhole is alive with wildlife.
Aside from these Waterbuck, which seem to almost be residents,
large herds of elephants as well as other plains game frequented this resource.
The fact that the water is also home to several crocodiles
of varying sizes did not seem to deter any of the animals.
An African Spoonbill struts majestically
through the placid waters…
Keeping an eye open for a quick meal.
Sunrise from the deck of our accommodation at Tau Lodge.
All the rooms face east and therefore all the guests exposed
to this spectacle.
An early morning game drive was almost compulsory.
And we were not disappointed as we found this magnificent lion!
The red tinge to his jaw is from a zebra kill that he had been feeding on.
Just part of his family.
There were two females and four cubs with him.
An African sunset to segue into our next lodge…
Madikwe Safari Lodge…a return visit for me,
a first visit for my wife.
This spot at the reception area is one of my favourite.
Not much to see while sitting in this chair,
but it engenders calm and serenity.
Our accommodation for the duration of our stay.
More about that in another posting.
Madikwe Safari Lodge also has a waterhole,
which seems to be owned by giraffe…
And at least two family groups of elephants.
One of the dams in Madikwe,
caught in the early morning light.
We were lucky enough to find this female cheetah
twice on the same day.
We discovered her lying in the shade in the early morning
and we then bumped into her at the end of our evening drive.
Face off…
These were two of several individuals in this clash of rhinos.
(A clash is the collective term for rhino)
Our final lion sighting.
This female was NOT happy with us being so close.
However, aside from this snarl, she chose to ignore us.
The bush is not only about the things that move.
Be it on feet, wings or slithering along on their bellies.
It is also about “the bush”…
The trees in the park are beautiful and deserve to be admired and enjoyed.
A final sunrise before heading home.
An awesome ending to a weekend that I will remember
for all the right reasons.
When it is time to print out my special images,
this is the company that I rely on to do that.
Bush gear to make me blend in…
in comfort and style.
https://www.ruggedwear.co.za
When I get home. I rely on this ISP
to provide me with high speed fibre connectivity
to enable me to get my postings published in record time.
www.cisp.co.za
This powerbank is my constant companion
while I am travelling.
It can do up to 4 full re-charges of my phone before
needing to be charged.
Supplied by…
When offered an option…
ALWAYS be Batman.
The newest of my travelling companions.
To find out more about the collectable Funko range of figurines,
visit:
My new addition, this awesome laptop bag from Solo.
Padded for protection and with enough pockets to keep
almost everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink in,
this is definitely an stylish addition to any business presentation.
Be it in the boardroom or the bush.
This bag can also be worn as a backpack.
There are straps in a hidden compartment that can be deployed
when you need both hands for other purposes.
To find out more about the stylish Solo range,
visit:
A new “tool” in my camera bag.
This locally made product was indispensable when using a long lens.
The ball and socket might look simple…and it is,
which is why it should be in the gear bag of every serious photographer.
This locally made, deceptively simple device is ideal
for tracking birds in flight or animals in motion.
The base can be used on a beanbag or a tripod,
with the ball being fitted to the camera.
The simplicity of the device allows to to move from supported
to hand held in a fluid motion.
There is also a version that can be used on a car window.
To see more about the product,
visit their Facebook page:
Or order directly from:
Follow me on Twitter: @davidbatzofin
Visit my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/david.batzofin
Travel & Things Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/travelandthings
Coming soon: http://www.db-photo.co.za/ and www.fbtours.co.za